Jeep Wrangler Diagnosis & Repair Manual Water Leaks Rev. A
General Notes 1. This manual applies to all Jeep models: 2/4 door & Hard/Soft Top 2. Before testing the vehicle, perform a review of the top system. Make sure all the latches are engaged, none of the top seals are puckered or distorted, the door seals are installed correctly, the tops are not out of alignment, etc. 3. Each leak area can have multiple root causes, as noted in the diagnosis tree. It is important to water test each repair before starting the next. 4. If a leak cannot be reproduced, it is due to the period of time the vehicle is under wet conditions. Some leaks may take hours before leaking. 5. If a leak cannot be reproduced, apply all the repairs to the applicable areas as noted in the diagnosis road map. 6. When the door is open, there is water run off from the roof that can soak the carpet. Be sure to explain to the customer that this cannot be fixed. This is an unfortunate condition with this type of vehicle, similar to convertibles. 7. It is important to understand where the leak ENDS up when diagnosing the vehicle. Where the leak ends up, does not always explain where the leak originates. Refer to the diagnosis tree when determining which repairs to perform. 8. This repair procedure does NOT cover every possible water leak on the Jeep Wrangler. The issues identified in this document are the major leaks that show up in the field. 9. Generally, a car wash is the preferred method to diagnose a vehicle. 10. If a hose is required, place on the top of the vehicle facing forward making sure water is getting to all areas. Do NOT directly spray in the area of question. This can create a false leak that cannot be fixed. 11. This manual is not intended to be a service manual. The content identifies the major areas of water leaks, the critical characteristics of each area and how to repair them. READ FIRST READ FIRST i
Diagnosis Road Map JK Hard/Soft Top Water is on center of Instrument Panel / Shifter Water is on door trim panel or Instrument Panel at A-pillar Water at Rear Hard Top Panel / B-pillar Water is on front carpet Freedom Top (Pages 6-11) Windshield Header Seal (Pages 1-2) Hard Top Seal (Pages 12-14) Rear Wheel Flare Holes (Pages 17-18) Door Fit (Page 3) B-Pillar Mucket/Foam (Pages 15-16) Cowl Side Panel (Pages 19-20) Area of leaks Door Primary Seal Repair Procedures A-Pillar Mucket/Foam (Pages 4-5) ii
Table of Contents I. Diagnosis Road Map i II. General Notes ii III. Water leak on Door Trim or Instrument Panel a) Repair procedure for Windshield Header Seal 1-2 b) Repair procedure for Door Fits 3 c) Repair procedure for A-pillar mucket/foam 4-5 IV. Water leak on Instrument Panel/Console Center a) Repair procedure for Freedom Panel Seal 6-11 b) Repair procedure for Freedom Panel latches 11 V. Water leak at B-plr a) Repair procedure for Hard Top Seal 12-14 b) Repair procedure for B-pillar Mucket 15-16 VI. Water leak on front carpet a) Repair procedure for rear wheel flare hole 17-18 b) Repair procedure for cowl side leaks 19-20 VII. Appendix a) Foam Kit 21 b) Replacement part numbers 22 iii
Windshield Header Seal Repair Procedure AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o Door trim panel or o Instrument panel (a-pillar) STEP 1: Remove Header Seal Figure 1 STEP 2: Remove/Clean Surface Figure 1 Remove all butyl and tape residue A rubber wheel bit can be used Clean surface with 3M adhesive cleaner Alcohol wipe entire surface and allow to dry Figure 2 Labor Op. Code: 235135 1
Windshield Header Seal Repair Procedure STEP 3: Install Butyl NOTE: This operation is only applicable for vehicles built before 6/1/2008. Vehicles built after this date, should already have sealer present in this area. Where to place butyl Install 4mm butyl (68027813AA) as shown (Figure 4) Make sure to fill in all holes, wrinkles and step offs to allow for a smooth surface to bond the tape/butyl from the new seal NOTE: Excessive amount of butyl can cause transition voids/leaks. Make sure to smooth out butyl. Figure 3 Butyl STEP 4: Install Seal Figure 4 Locate and install new seal, Pt #: 55397454AE Remove release tape and pressurize seal firmly in contact with header sheet metal to smooth out adhesive tape and butyl, starting at the ends and working toward the center. A small roller or firm finger pressure should be used to insure the tape is adhered completely from side to side, THIS STEP IS CRITICAL Critical area to pressurize Line seal up here Labor Op. Code: 235135 Figure 5 2
Door Fit Repair Procedure AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o Door trim panel or o Instrument panel (a-pillar) STEP 1: Door Gap Checks Measure door gaps The specifications are as follows: The gap spec. is 5.0 +/- 2.0 mm The flush spec. is 0.0 +/- 2.0 mm If the door fit is not to spec, proceed to Step 2 STEP 2: Adjust Doors Adjust the door gap and flushness as described in DealerConnect> TechCONNECT under: Service info> 23 Body> Body Structure> Gap and Flush> Specifications Service Manual Figure 6 STEP 3: Replace Door Primary Seal If the doors are adjusted, the door seal must be replaced Part #: 55395274/5AN Figure 7 Labor Op. Code: 230010 3
A-Pillar Foam/Mucket Repair Procedure AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o Door Trim Panel STEP 1: Header Mucket NOTE: This issue/repair applies to both hard and soft top vehicles Inspect the header seal mucket for the seal rolled under the freedom panel or side rail. (Figure 8) BAD Figure 8 If the seal is folded under, remove the freedom panel or side rail and reinstall making sure not to distort the mucket (Figure 9) GOOD Labor Op. Code: Figure 9 4
A-Pillar Foam/Mucket Repair Procedure STEP 2: A-Pillar Foam NOTE: This issue/repair applies to both hard and soft top vehicles Inspect the freedom panel or side rail for damaged/missing foam (Figure 10) If the foam is damaged or missing, replace the foam using the foam kit (68026937AB) BAD Figure 10 GOOD STEP 2: Foam Installation Figure 11 Install the foam to the freedom panel as shown in Figure 12 The foam installation is similar for the soft top rail RH Panel Shown Figure 12 Labor Op. Code: 5
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o Instrument panel (Center) or o Console / Shifter RIGHT HAND FREEDOM PANEL STEP 1: Seal Removal Remove seal on Right panel Figure 13 STEP 2: Tape and Butyl Removal Remove tape and butyl residue from panel A rubber wheel bit can be used Clean Seal Surface with: 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner or Kent Products Acrysol, (if available) and allow to dry completely Figure 14 Wipe seal surface with alcohol and allow to dry completely. Figure 15 Labor Op. Code: 6
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 3: Butyl Installation Place right hand freedom panel upside down on a covered surface to prevent scratching REAR FRONT Apply 4 mm diameter Butyl, Pt # 68027813AA, to Rear Notch (Figure 17) Note: Follow groove between panels and push butyl firmly in place Figure 16 REAR 20mm 15mm Apply 4 mm diameter Butyl, Pt # 68027813AA, to Front Notch (Figure 18) Note: Follow groove between panels and push butyl firmly in place 15mm Figure 17 FRONT 20mm Labor Op. Code: Figure 18 7
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 4: Seal Installation REAR Keep freedom panel upside down for the initial installation of the seal Remove tape liner from seal NOTE: Secure the end molds first, then finish with the middle of the seal FRONT Rear Seal Mold Figure 19 Align REAR edge of NEW seal, Pt # 55397095AG to Right Freedom Panel Notch. Compress butyl by installing seal in direction of arrows (Figure 20) Note: No gap between installed seal and outer edge of freedom panels. (Figure 20) Rear Mold Front Seal Mold Figure 20 Align FRONT edge of NEW seal, Pt # 55397095AG to Right Freedom Panel Notch Compress butyl by installing seal in direction of arrows (Figure 21) Note: No gap between installed seal and outer edge of freedom panels. (Figure 21) Front Mold Labor Op. Code: Figure 21 8
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 5: Pressurize Seal Flip panel back over to complete the seal installation Locate seal cross car against the middle rib in the freedom panel and pressurize starting at the ends and working toward the center A small roller or firm finger pressure should be used to insure the seal tape is adhered from front to rear, THIS STEP IS CRITICAL Figure 22 This photo is for reference only. Panel was cut to show rib. STEP 6: Install foam at Front Locator rib in panel Figure 23 Install GREY 30 X 75 mm Foam from kit (68026937AB) along trim lines of flame tip (Figure 24) NOTE: Make sure foam covers butyl completely Front of panel Figure 24 Labor Op. Code: 9
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 7: Install foam at Rear Install BLACK 30 X 75 mm Foam from kit (68026937AB) along trim lines of flame tip (Figure 25) NOTE: Make sure foam covers butyl completely Figure 25 LEFT HAND FREEDOM PANEL REAR STEP 8: Install butyl at Rear Place Left hand freedom panel upside down on a covered surface to prevent scratching Add 4mm diameter butyl, (68027813AA) to rear inboard corner groove (Figure 27) Note: Push butyl firmly into groove between panels until flush Figure 26 70 mm 25 mm Figure 27 Labor Op. Code: 10
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 9: Install foam at Rear Add 30 X 75 mm Black Foam from Kit (68026937AB) to cover butyl (Figure 28) NOTE: Make sure foam covers butyl completely Figure 28 STEP 10: Install front latches NOTE: This applies to both Right and Left panels If the vehicle MDH is prior to 12/07/07, replace the front latches with part number 68004562AB (Figure 29) Figure 29 Labor Op. Code: 11
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o B-pillar roll bar o B-pillar trim o Freedom panel screw holes NOTE: Water that enters anywhere along the hard top seal can travel over to the B- pillar and leak from the hard top STEP 1: Inspect Hard Top Seal Inspect for any gaps between the seal and hard top (Figure 30,31) Figure 30 Figure 31 Labor Op. Code: 12
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 1: Inspect Hard Top Seal (cont.) Inspect the end molds for poor installation (Figure 32) Inspect underneath the seal for any skips with the tape/butyl along the entire seal (Figure 34 & 35). BAD GAP Figure 34 Figure 32 GOOD GAP TAPE SKIP Figure 35 Figure 33 Labor Op. Code: 13
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 2: Replace Hard Top Seal If there are multiple skips or the leak cannot be stopped, replace seal. Remove all tape/butyl and clean with alcohol prior to installation A rubber wheel bit can be used to remove the tape Pre-apply butyl (68027813AA) on hard top prior to installing the seal (Figure 36) It is critical that then end molds are installed correctly and sufficient pressure is applied to wet out the butyl/tape (Figure 36) Figure 36 Apply butyl as shown 2mm underflush Pressurize Figure 37 Labor Op. Code: 14
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o B-plr trim or seat NOTE: This repair applies to 4 door hard top or soft top models STEP 1: Inspect mucket detail Inspect the mucket for a rolled under condition (Figure 38) Inspect the mucket for a missing drain hole STEP 2: Replace the mucket detail If either of these conditions exist, replace the mucket detail (Part #:55395708/9AE) Reinstall the panel or side rail making sure not to distort the mucket BAD Figure 38 GOOD Figure 39 Labor Op. Code: 15
B-Pillar Mucket/Foam Seal Repair STEP 3: Inspect Freedom Panel for damaged or missing foam If the foam is damaged or missing, replace the foam using the foam kit (68026937AB) RH Panel Shown STEP 4: Add additional foam to freedom panel Figure 40 Add a piece of foam to the freedom panel as shown in Figure 41. This foam can be created by cutting the 30 x 75mm GREY foam in half from the foam kit (68026937AB) Figure 41 NOTE: This foam is in addition to the foam that is already on the panel FOAM Figure 41 Labor Op. Code: 16
Rear Wheel Flare Hole Repair AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o Front floor (wet carpet) o Under seat Leak Path NOTE: This leak can be diagnosed by applying a hose to the upper rear flare and inspecting for water traveling along the floor to the front STEP 1: STEP 2: Remove Rear Flare Replace/Install Patch Hole : 1 NOTE: Vehicles built prior to 5/28/08 will require this repair Inspect the body for missing or misaligned tape over the hole as seen in Figure 43 Add/Replace a tape patch over the hole Figure 42 Hole: 2 NOTE: Vehicles built prior to 5/01/09 will require this repair Inspect the body for missing or misaligned tape over the hole as seen in Figure 43 Add/Replace a tape patch over the hole 1 2 Labor Op. Code: Figure 43 17
Rear Wheel Flare Hole Repair Hole: 3 NOTE: Vehicles built prior to 7/22/08 will require this repair Cut the BLACK 30 x 75 foam from the foam kit (68026937AB) in half and apply over this hole (Figure 45) Make sure the foam does not extend past the flare trim line (appearance issue) Re-install flare Figure 44 3 Figure 45 Labor Op. Code: 18
Cowl Side Panel Repair AREA OF LEAK: This repair procedure is applicable when water is evident on the: o Front floor (wet carpet) NOTE: These leaks can be diagnosed by applying a hose in the cowl panel (Figure 47). Leak area Figure 46 Apply hose in cowl area Figure 47 Labor Op. Code: 235001 19
Cowl Side Panel Repair Condition 1: Mastic patches/plugs _- Repair 1: Replace patch/plug Condition 2: Check strap bracket Repair 2: Remove bracket and apply a butyl to holes 5 1 Condition 3: Seam sealer skips 1 Repair 3: Apply clear sealer (part #: 04467708) to skip 3 1 2 3 Condition 4: Scuff trim foam damaged/missing 1 Repair 4: Replace trim clips Condition 5: Antenna grommet not seated 4 Repair 5: Re-install grommet Figure 48 Labor Op. Code: 235001 20
Appendix Foam Kit: 68026937AB A/B-Pillar Foam Used on Pages (5,16,) 30 mm x 75mm BLACK Foam Used on Pages (10,11) 30 mm x 75mm GREY Foam Used on Pages (9,16) Labor Op. Code: 21
Appendix Jeep Wrangler Replacement Parts List Part # Part Name Page(s) 68027813AA Butyl 2,7,10,14 04467708 Clear Sealer 20 68026937AB Foam Kit 5,9-11,16 55397454AE Windshield Header Seal 2 55395274/5AN Front Door Primary Seal 3 55395708/9AE B-Pillar Mucket 15 55397095AG Freedom Panel Seal 8 55397046AF Hard Top Seal 4DR 14 55397058AF Hard Top Seal 2DR 14 68004562AB Freedom Panel Latch 11 Labor Op. Code: 22
JK Freedom Top -Center Front- Water Leak Repair Reference TSB # 23-020-08 As Required for additional Repair Information 10/14/2008 1
5 6 4 1 2 Outside View 3 1.Windshield header seal 2.Windshield to cowl seal 3.Front door weatherseal 4.B pillar mucket 5.Hard top seal 6.Center freedom panel seal 10/14/2008 2
7 9 9 8 10 12 13 11 Inside View 7. Left Freedom Panel 8. Panel to Panel Latches 9. Panel to Hard Top Latches 10. Hard Top 11. Right Freedom Panel 12. Latch & Base Assembly 68004562AB 13 Sport Bar Thumb Screws 10/14/2008 3
*Please note: This package addresses water leaks that come from inside the vehicle when the door is closed. This package does not address water that drips into the Vehicle when the door is open. This is a normal condition! 10/14/2008 4
Foam Kit Contents These parts with Light Blue shaded boxes are Optional / Replace as required 68026937AB 30 mm x 95 mm x 3 mmthick. 2 pieces. 20 mm x 95 mm x 5 mmthick. 2 pieces. 2 Pair. 7mm OD x 71mm. 2 pieces 2 Pair 9 mm x 100 mm x 6.35 mmthick. 2 pieces. 30 mm x 75mm x 3 mmthick. 3 pieces. Black Foam 13mm OD x 8mm ID x 160mm. 1 piece. 30 mm x 75mm x 2 mmthick 1 piece. Gray Foam These 4 pieces of foam are required for the freedom panel repair. 10/14/2008 5
Additional Hard Top Foam Locations Included in the foam kit. Replace as required. 4 1 3 4 1 2 3 2 4 3 1 2 10/14/2008 6
Right Freedom Panel Weather Strip Removal & Freedom panel Cleaning 10/14/2008 7
Remove Right Freedom Panel Center Seal 10/14/2008 8
Remove old Butyl & Tape from Right Freedom Panel 10/14/2008 9
Note: Old Butyl Removed from Right Freedom Panel Seal Surface (White Strip) Clean Seal Surface with: 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner or Kent Products Acrysol, (if available) and allow to dry completely. Rough up Seal Surface with Medium Scotch Bright pad. Wipe Seal Surface with Alcohol and allow to dry completely. 10/14/2008 10
Note: Old Butyl Removed from Right Freedom Panel, Front & Rear Notches 10/14/2008 11
Place Right Freedom Panel Upside down on a covered work surface to prevent paint Scratching. Freedom Panel Notch Butyl installation 10/14/2008 12
Page 15 Rear notch Page 14 Front notch 10/14/2008 13
Apply New 4 mm diameter Butyl, Pt # 68027813AA to Right Freedom Panel, Front Notch. Note: Follow Groove between panels and Push Butyl firmly in place. Front Inboard Butyl inside Grooves 20 mm 15 mm 10/14/2008 14
Apply New 4 mm diameter Butyl, Pt # 68027813AA to Right Freedom Panel, Rear Notch. Note: Follow Groove between panels and Push Butyl firmly in place. Front Inboard Butyl inside Grooves 15 mm 20 mm 10/14/2008 15
Page 17 Rear Weather Strip Page 18 Front Weather Strip Freedom Panel Weather Strip installation 10/14/2008 16
Align Rear edge of NEW Weather Strip, Pt # 55397095AG to Right Freedom Panel Notch. Note: No gap between installed Weather Strip and outer edge of freedom panels. Compress butyl by installing Weather Strip in direction of Arrows Smooth out Butyl after W/Strip installation 10/14/2008 17
Align Front edge of NEW Weather Strip, Pt # 55397095AG to Right Freedom Panel Notch. Note: No gap between installed Weather Strip and outer edge of freedom panels. Smooth out Butyl after Weather Strip installation Note: Remove Release tape and Press Weather Strip Firmly in contact with Freedom Panel, Front AND Rear. 10/14/2008 18
Note Both Ends of new W/Strip Located and installed to Freedom Panel Center section still shown unattached 10/14/2008 19